Thread: Can someone school me on the different Grinds?

If sharpness is equal I do believe that the heavier grinds work better on heavier beards but I believe it has more to do with the skill and technique of the user. A stiff, heavy blade seems to be more forgiving of bad technique and lack of skill. A lighter, more flexible hollow grind seems to demand greater skill and proper technique.

Originally Posted by ShavedZombie

Well, I guess this falls under personal opinion too.. All I know is that, after enough growth, my small Dovo Best Quality (5/8, smaller blade in width and size) takes more finger effort to clear a side burn than my big Gold Dollar, or a meaty W&B.

YMMV

I'm experiencing the opposite. The more hollow ground razor is cutting with less "momentum" needed to not get stuck in the dense, coarse chin & moustache hairs, and trimming the hairs closer per pass than the less hollow ground razor. I also find that I have a tendancy to use more pressure against the face with the less hollow razor, since otherwise it doesn't shave as close as the more hollow razor.

Originally Posted by JMS

If sharpness is equal I do believe that the heavier grinds work better on heavier beards but I believe it has more to do with the skill and technique of the user. A stiff, heavy blade seems to be more forgiving of bad technique and lack of skill. A lighter, more flexible hollow grind seems to demand greater skill and proper technique.

Am stuck now, I understand the principle of the heavier blade being better for thicker growth, but if there less feedback, with shallower grinds, are you not more likely to dig in with the wider heavier blade

Originally Posted by Doublewood

Am stuck now, I understand the principle of the heavier blade being better for thicker growth, but if there less feedback, with shallower grinds, are you not more likely to dig in with the wider heavier blade

I never understand that term feedback.

Since a hollow blade has some flex and is lighter if your technique is not spot on it makes the blade hang up easier in the hair where a heavier grind and razor will plow through just about anything even with really bad technique. When I have used the heavier grinds for a time and then switch to a hollow grind I find I have to "relearn" how to use the hollow grind ( I am talking full hollows here)But when I switch from a hollow to a wedge I find no need to "relearn"

thanks for the clarification, but I guess you wouldn't use a heavy blade on a light weight stubble

The real problem with the usual heavy beard, heavy blade discussion is that we all have different beards. I have extremely course hair in my beard. When I use a full hollow during the first, and ATG pass there is a real tendency for the blade to flex to a point where it will get some skin. When I am shaving I tend to ride the edge which means that the cutting part of the blade is just above the skin. I have use some thin full hollows that just will not give me an irritation free shave. I like doing 4 pass shaves with a touch-up added and the alum block after a full hollow shave is murder.

I have often wondered if a professional barber could weigh in and give his point of view. His point may be slanted a little because a prep with 3 hot towels and 45 minutes but, none the less I would bet there would be some really good insight.


Take Care,
Richard

Originally Posted by Doublewood

Am stuck now, I understand the principle of the heavier blade being better for thicker growth, but if there less feedback, with shallower grinds, are you not more likely to dig in with the wider heavier blade

I have tried shaving with a 5/8 Dovo special, 6/8 Dovo special, and 5/8 Dovo silversteel (Ebony). The particular silversteel I used is a bit less hollow ground than the 2 particular specials and feels a little stiffer. I get the most feedback from the 5/8 special. ie: I can hear the difference in how well my angle is cutting hairs the best. They all give PLENTY of feedback though (even for my newbie ears).